Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act of 2024

Jul 12, 2024

Summary

Changes the Social Security Act to allow states to use maternal and child health funds for programs and research to help prevent stillbirths.

What problem does this solve?

It was unclear if federal maternal and child health funds could be used for stillbirth prevention, limiting resources for this issue. This law clarifies that states can use these funds for stillbirth prevention programs, research, and awareness campaigns.

Who does this affect?

Pregnant individuals
Healthcare providers
State public health agencies

What does this law do?

Adds stillbirth reduction to funding goals

Updates the Social Security Act to explicitly state that funds can be used to reduce the number of stillbirths.

Lists approved stillbirth prevention programs

Allows funding for specific activities like tracking fetal movements, improving birth timing for high-risk pregnancies, and promoting safe sleep positions during pregnancy.

What is the real world impact?

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Provides clear funding for stillbirth prevention

Clarifies that states can use existing Maternal and Child Health Services funds for stillbirth prevention activities, helping to reduce the rate of stillbirths in the United States.

When does this start?

This law takes effect on July 12, 2024.